DMK official, sub-registrar booked in Srirangam temple land fraud case

Police in Srirangam have booked six people for their alleged involvement in a land fraud scheme targeting property belonging to the historic Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. The accused include a DMK party functionary and a sub-registrar, officials said, indicating the involvement of both political and administrative personnel in the alleged crime.

According to preliminary investigation, four of the six accused had falsely claimed ownership of the temple's 7,000-sq.ft plot located in the temple town. The group allegedly prepared forged documents to legitimize their fraudulent claims and facilitate the illegal transfer of the property to the DMK functionary's name.

Investigators say the accused carried out the scheme with full knowledge that the land belonged to the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of South India's most significant Hindu religious institutions. The involvement of the sub-registrar, a government official responsible for recording property transactions, has raised questions about oversight in the registration process.

The case highlights recurring concerns about temple property thefts and the misuse of official documentation in real estate fraud cases across Tamil Nadu. Further investigations are underway to establish the extent of the accused individuals' involvement and to recover the disputed property.